What is a dragon boat? Great question - glad you asked.

Well Mamma says, aside from being a 20-person longboat originating from China and powered entirely by humans, dragon boating is so much more than just a sport.

It’s community, connection and a whole lot of fun… all rolled into one boat!

Now we knew dragon boating was going to be pretty cool, but what Mamma didn’t realise is that it also has a really special history here in Australia.

The sport has been embraced by breast cancer survivors, after research showed paddling could support recovery and help rebuild strength after treatment. Since then, dragon boating has grown into worldwide movement

And right here in the west, Mamma says this is exactly what Footscray Dragon Boat Club is all about. It’s not just the paddling - it’s the people, the support and a real focus on inclusivity, with everyone welcome to give it a go. and so we did! AND we love it.

The Footscray Dragon Boat Club has been around for about a year now and already has around 80 members.

Every Saturday and Sunday at 9am sharp! (and Wednesdays during the warmer months), you can head along and give dragon boating a try.

Once you arrive, you’ll be fitted with a life jacket and sized up for your paddle, followed by a quick lesson to get you started. Before you hit the water, there’s a warm up to get those shoulders ready, then you’re paired up, hop in the boat… and off you go.

With around 20 paddlers, a Sweep steering at the back and a drummer keeping everyone in time, it’s all about teamwork - a crew moving, paddling and bobbing together, one beat of the drum at a time.

The boats are quite a spectacle on the river so make sure you wave if you see one powering along!

Oh and those river views in the west are pretty special too.

the details

Footscray City Rowing Club

Paddle Days
Saturdays and Sundays 9am
Wednesdays during warmer months

FREE to try for a month, small membership fee to join (around $280 per year)

click here for pricing and more info

mamma's special mention: The Anglers Tavern is just up the river!